For some reason I was unable to reply on your query.  I reacted very badly to topiramate when I was on it for a very short period of time.  Can't help you there. 

Is the Rizatriptan in pill form?  If so it is worthless or nearly so as it takes to long to metabolize to do you any good.  I've never used triptans in any form, so I can't give much info there either, I'm sorry.

O2 is your FIRST line of defense as far as an abortive is concerned, and I would not leave your Dr's office without a script for it again.  If she refuses to give it to you go out and buy a welding tank and do it on your own.  The O2 is the same, and it even comes from the same tank at the suppliers.  We can help if you need it.  See the "oxygen info" button on the left side of the screen.

For a preventative, topirimate is not at the top of the list.  Verapamil is much more commonly prescribed, sometimes along with Lithium.  However, I would suggest you go to meds/treatments page and look for the thread 123 days pf and i think I know why.  It is a loooooooong thread, but you should read at least the first 10 pages as that is during the time the regimen was being developed, and it will give you an understanding of how it works and the thinking behind it.  I highly recommend you don't take ANYTHING for your CH that you don't understand at least rudimentarily.  YOU have to be your own advocate and work with your Dr. for the treatment you want.  From what your Dr. has prescribed she does not know CH, (few do), so you will have to take over your own care.  If you don't understand what you are doing you are just setting yourself up for a long time of pain.  With knowledge CH can be handled.

Feel free to ask questions as you read, but please read, read, and then read some more.  There is more information available on this website than Neuro's get in med school.  Take advantage of it.

Jerry

Glad she gave you O2.  By far the most effective abortive for most of us. 

If you cannot get to the O2 for some reason, slamming an energy drink at the first sign of an attack is helpful for most of us.  Red Bull, Monster, RockStar, 5hr ENERGY (my preference), or any other with a combination of caffeine and taurene.  The taurene is vital to make it work.  It sort of supercharges the caffeine.  If I hit it before the hit takes hold I can usually knock a hit back to at least a bearable level within about 5 or 6 mins.  Doesn't always kill the hit, but makes it bearable.

Jerry